The word explosion: ten everyday ways to grow your toddler's language
How toddler talking usually develops between one and two years, ten simple everyday ways to build language and learning, screen time advice, and when to ask for help.
By PreggieLover 3 min read
"Bus!" "Cat!" "Mine!" "Uh-oh!" Somewhere in the second year, many toddlers seem to discover that words are powerful. One week they have a handful; a few weeks later they are naming everything in sight. Speech between one and two years can grow at an amazing rate, and the best part is that most of what helps happens in ordinary moments at home.
What is typical between one and two
Every child is different, and the range of normal is wide, but many toddlers:
- Around twelve to fifteen months, say a few words and understand many more
- Around eighteen months, use a growing number of single words and point to show you things
- Understand simple instructions like "Get your shoes" or "Give it to Daddy"
- Around two years, use something like fifty words or more and start putting two words together: "more milk", "Mummy gone", "big dog"
Pronunciation is often far from perfect. "Nana" might mean banana, grandma or both. That is completely normal.
Ten everyday ways to grow language
- Talk about what you are doing. "I'm cutting the yam. Chop, chop. Now in the pot."
- Follow their interest. If they are fascinated by a lorry, talk about the lorry, not the flowers you wanted to show them.
- Add one word. If your toddler says "Ball," you say "Red ball" or "Kick the ball."
- Repeat back gently, correctly. If they say "Dat dog," you say "Yes, that's a dog!" No need to correct them or ask them to repeat it.
- Give choices. "Banana or apple?" invites a word while holding both up.
- Pause and wait. Leave space for your child to fill. Toddlers need a few seconds to find their words.
- Read every day. Simple picture books, lift-the-flap books, the same favourite twenty times. Point, name, and let them turn the pages.
- Sing songs and rhymes, especially ones with actions. Pause before the last word and let your toddler fill it in.
- Play pretend. Feeding teddy, talking on a toy phone, driving a cardboard-box car: pretend play and language grow together.
- Get down to their level. Face-to-face conversations help toddlers watch how you form words.
Learning through play
Alongside language, toddlers are learning how the world works: filling and emptying, stacking and knocking down, matching, sorting and figuring out cause and effect. Simple, open-ended toys like blocks, cups, balls, crayons, play dough and containers often hold their interest longer than flashing gadgets. Toddlers also love to "help" with real tasks: sorting socks, wiping the table, carrying a small bag. Let them, even when it slows you down.
About screens
Most experts recommend keeping screen time very limited for children under two, apart from video calls with family. Toddlers learn language best from real, responsive people. If you do use screens, choose slow, simple programmes, watch together and talk about what you see. Try to keep screens off during meals and in the hour before bed.
When to ask for help
Talk to your health visitor or doctor if your toddler:
- Is not saying any words by around eighteen months
- Is not pointing to show you things, or not responding to their name
- Does not seem to understand simple words or instructions
- Is not putting any words together by around two years
- Loses words or skills they used to have
- Has had lots of ear infections, or you have any worries about hearing
Early help with speech and language makes a real difference, so do not wait and see if you are worried.
Growing in wisdom
We know very little about Jesus' early years, but Luke gives us one lovely summary:
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52, KJV)
Your toddler is growing in all those ways too, a little more each day. And as you help them learn to speak, there is wisdom for you in James 1:19, which encourages us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Toddlers flourish when they are truly listened to.
A prayer for growing words
Lord, thank You for my child's growing voice. Help me listen well and speak kindly. Let our home be full of stories, songs and conversation. As my little one grows in wisdom and stature, draw them close to You. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should a two-year-old say?
Many two-year-olds use around fifty words or more and are starting to put two words together, but the range of normal is wide.
When should I worry about my toddler's speech?
Talk to your health visitor or doctor if your toddler has no words by around eighteen months, is not pointing or responding to their name, or loses words or skills.
Is screen time bad for toddlers' speech?
Toddlers learn language best from real people. Most experts advise keeping screen time very limited under two, apart from video calls with family.
This article is for general information and encouragement, not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or midwife about your own health and your baby's.
